Your Visual Guide to Different Types of Braces

The field of orthodontics is constantly evolving and as a Surrey orthodontist, Dr. Sharma is all about staying on top of the latest advances. In keeping with his love of technology, Aura Orthodontics offers a wide range of innovative diagnostic and teeth straightening options such as metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces and Invisalign.

We know when you’re in the market for a stunning new smile, the number of treatment choices can be overwhelming. To help clear things up, we’ve created this visual guide to the different types of braces.

Your Visual Guide to Different Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

The Basics: Ahh, the tried and true option of the braces world. Traditional metal braces remain the most popular form of orthodontic treatment and they’re way smaller and more comfortable than ever. They typically consist of stainless steel brackets and archwires that are held in place with elastic bands. They can also be combined with things like a power chain, metal bands and forsus appliances depending on your needs.

Clear Braces

The Basics: The brackets of our clear braces are crafted from pure grown sapphire (fancy, huh?). Each crystal is heat polished so they’re extremely strong, clear and smooth. These are perfect for people with really white teeth as they’ll blend right in. Clear braces also use archwires and ligatures to move the teeth gradually into their new places.

Ceramic Braces

The Basics: Like clear braces, ceramic braces can blend in with the teeth. Ceramic braces use brackets, archwire and ligatures, however, the brackets are made from a ceramic composite material that is either semi-translucent or tooth colored.

The Basics: Damon braces are put on the teeth the same way as traditional metal braces and consist of brackets and wires, however, they don’t have elastics or metal ties. Instead, they are self-ligating and rely on a special slide mechanism that attaches the wires to the brackets. The mechanism moves with your teeth so you don’t need tightening and the braces work in less time.

Lingual Braces:

Lingual Braces: Again, lingual braces use a system of metal brackets and wires. Yet, the brackets are extremely small and placed on the back of the teeth facing the tongue. Because the process of putting them on is a little more involved, you’ll need to see an orthodontist with specialized training in lingual braces like Dr. Sharma.

Most discreet and least visible of all treatment types since you can’t see the braces at all when you smile

Completely customized to your mouth

Mounted on the back of your teeth so no staining or discoloration will be evident

Cons:

More expensive than many other options

Harder to clean

Can take a little longer to straighten teeth

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

The Basics: Invisalign is the only treatment option with no brackets or wires. Instead, a series of clear, removable, plastic aligners are created according to your orthodontist’s specifications. Every few weeks, you put in a new set of customized aligners that will move your teeth a little more.

The aligners are extremely comfortable and don’t irritate the cheeks or lips

Super convenient since the aligners are removable

Zero food restrictions

Can brush and floss normally

Cons:

Not all severe cases can be treated with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

It may take a little bit longer to straighten teeth than some other options

Contact Aura Orthodontics today for a free consultation at our Scottsdale, Guilford or Abbotsford orthodontic clinics. Dr. Sharma will evaluate your smile and needs to determine what type of braces will work best for you. Whichever treatment option you choose, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile.

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About Dr. Sharma

Dr. Sharma uses his passion to develop new techniques and relies on cutting-edge technology to ensure treatments are quicker, more comfortable and more aesthetic. He strives to provide highly personalized care in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Read more about Dr. Sharma.